Electronics Parts

Shop With Confidence

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

PartSelect Number PS8746522

The capacitor helps the compressor kick on and off while maintaining a constant temperature to keep things frozen in your freezer.
The start relay boosts the compressor, and then shuts off as soon as the motor gets up to speed and the overload provides extra protection against excessive temperatures.

205 of 231 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

The compressor would not run.

I removed the screws in the lower back panel where the compressor is located. Then I unplugged the capacitor and plugged the new one in. I then checked to see if the compressor would start. It wouldn't so I replaced the overload relay with capacitor and that fixed the problem. The capacitor just plugs into the relay then plugs into the compressor. There are several screws but all in all it is easy.

91 of 165 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Freezer cold, refrigerator warm

Overload relay accessible from back, by compressor unit. Very easy to change out. Diagram from your site placed defrost thermostat in same area.It wasn't. Found another diagram, showed it in refrigerator light area, took that apart, not there. Yet another diagram showed it in the duct work area at back of refrigerator cabinet. Not there. Finally removed back of freezer compartment, found thermistor and thermostat with the fins. Clipped wires, wired in parts, quick fix. Longest amount of time was spent finding the old parts to replace them. Actual replacement took less than 15 minutes. Refrigerator holding at 35 degrees set on 2 now, better than ever. Total cost, less than $120, doing iy ourselves....priceless.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

42 of 46 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyEasy

Time to do repair:15 - 30 mins

ToolsPliers

CustomerDenise from SOUTHINGTON CT

Frig not cold at all,freezer was all defrosted

Well the frist thing I did was get out the all the paper work and look under trouble shooting.This frig has a list of codes to try to help narrow down what parts might be bad.Well at frist it seemed it was a Defrost Thermastat?Well thanks to PartSelect it showed me right where it was and step by step how to remove and replace it.It took me over 2Hr's,after that I let the frig run all night and the next morning(yep warm frig)not the part I needed,well now Im mad,the local part store said you need a 3in1 jump starter easy to in stall at $50.Can'nt bring parts back no way weather thier opened or not.So get home and can'nt see how this jumper is going to wire up to my compresser?So on to the Web site to get some info,find out that this part gets a thumb's down,it puts out more volt's then needed and kills your compresser the reviews where very help full.So back to PartSelect to see more info,then I spoted the Overload/Relay and went to the back of my Frig and this part just plugs right into the compresser,I pulled it of with pliers and Bingo a burn spot melted right through the Overload/Relay.Ordered the right part the same as the old one.Put the part in and Bam,compresser fired right up.If I only did alittle more home work I could off saved alot of head ach and money.Thanks PartSelect I'll alway's click on to your web site for future parts and advise.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

36 of 43 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:15 - 30 mins

ToolsNutdriver

Customerbrice from irving TX

Compressor clicking but not turning on

I just opened up the fridge back panel accessed the old relay/capacitor, pulled it out, replaced with the new one, snapped it back into place, tested it (compressor came on), replaced the back panel and went on my way. Really, really easy repair.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

21 of 26 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Refrigerator stopped cooling

Problem: My Maytag side by side door refrigerator just stopped cooling and has to discard all frozen items after I discovered being away for 3 days. First, I went to my computer and read some of the repair stories at Part Select “Need help with your repair?” and installation video guide.1. I ordered the Refrigerator Adaptive Defrost Board (ADP) - followed the procedures how to disconnect and installed the new part. Unfortunately, it did not correct the problem and only warm is coming out.2. I ordered the Defrost Heater Thermostat Assembly - removed the old and replaced with new assembly. Again, warm air coming out. Meanwhile, I kept on hearing “clicking sound every few second” not knowing where this coming from. Again, at Part Select, I read the story about it and I ordered the Run Capacitor and the Overload/Relay with Capacitor. Soon as I opened the parts and tried to match it from the part at the back of the refrigerator and to the part from the compressor, I have discovered that they are not in compatible with the original parts from my Maytag Refrigerator and cannot be installed. And so I contacted (Email) Part Select customer service (Jeanette) if I could return the unused parts and had provided me the “Return address and the Reference Number”. This time, I gave Jeanette the Maytag Model and Serial numbers and asked where I could find this on my refrigerator and make the necessary repair and came back with the diagram and located #4 to the compressor. Ordered the correct part# PS2004058.3. Upon receipt of the part above, I was puzzled, in the plastic container are four parts, included a plastic cover. I have not given up, I removed the original part encased in white plastic container pulled straight off the compressor and examined it closely. Before detaching all the wiring, I also noted before disconnecting from wire harness and read the Diagram/Instruction Sheet provided. 4. From the four new parts provided, installed the Overload Terminal, bottom part on Compressor with one terminal to the Blue wire. Connected White Jumper to the old harness. Lastly, I plugged the PTC Start Device (two terminals) above the Overload Terminal on the Compressor with the proper wiring as I previously noted and installed the electrical cover. “Plugged in the refrigerator to the power outlet”. To test the result, I left a glass of water inside the freezer and a bottle of wine into the refrigerator. The result - I checked after 2 hours, the water was frozen and a cool wine. “Little frustration included here, as I am not an electrician.” But now, I could say, I fixed it, and very proud of this accomplishment. Thank You, PartSelect and to a great Customer Support!Safety Note: Always make sure to unplugged the refrigerator (power off) prior doing the necessary repairs.Rodolfo Julao/S. San Francisco, CA

20 of 25 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Refrigerator was not getting cold

For the defrost control board, it is a really easy replacement on my model Maytag refrigerator, all you have to do locate the freezer/refrig, cooling controls in the main part of frig and remove the control knobs by pulling them of by hand, for the cover use 1/4 socket with a socket wrench or socket screw driver to remove the cover, after that you will see a panel cover that you have to unclip by hand and that is where your control board is located and at this point it's just plug and play. just reassemble in reverse order. I changed my overload relaywith start capaciter out also when I changed my defrost control board. To change the relay out, first remove the lower panel on the rear base of the frig. and this is where you will find the relay pluged into the round black compressor, simply unplug the old and plug the new in, it's just that simple!

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

10 of 13 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:Less than 15 mins

Tools

CustomerAlfred from Port Charlotte FL

The compressor would try to start,but would not.

I pulled the whole unit(condenser&overload relay)with my hand & disconnected the wire connectedto it & Replaced it with the new one.Peace of cake.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

8 of 10 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyEasy

Time to do repair:30 - 60 mins

ToolsNutdriver, Pliers

Customerchad from stockton CA

No cooling either fridge or freezer

Refrigerator was stored for about 2 years and we picked it up when the owner decided to move into an apartment and no longer needed to unit (lost home to foreclosure). Brought the unit home and it worked great for about 3 days. On the third day my wife noticed a slight electrical burning smell. I did also and quickly emptied the unit and hoped for the best. The unit did indeed stop working. I fancy myself a do it myselfer but I would normally not go near electricity but thought what the heck it was free if i ruin it I would give it away. After a little research i found Partselect and they had a great design and a few stories that sounded similar so i pulled the relay capacitor for the compressor and sure enough the unit showed burn marks where the unit had shorted out. Maybe a bug got in there or water, dirt but I ordered the part. I arrived in two days which was great. I installed the part and plug the unit in and crossed my fingers. Very happily the unit clicked on and has been running great ever since. thanks Partselect, while I may not be one of your big customers I will refer anyone with appliance issues to your site first.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

7 of 10 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:15 - 30 mins

ToolsNutdriver

Customerrobert from central point OR

Fridge random humming

Unscrewed back of fridge and unplugged relay from compressor and plugged in the new one remember that the new one turns 180 degrees from existing switch.

11 of 24 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Failed compressor

Recovered refrigerant, removed compressor. Replaced compressor and evacuated system. Charged system with R134a. Works like charm.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

5 of 7 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:Less than 15 mins

ToolsPliers, Screw drivers

CustomerBRUCE from AMMON ID

Not freezing or keeping thing cold in fridge

Once I got the right part the repair was quick and easy. All I had to do is get the old part off with a screwdriver and curved needle nose pliers and the old part came right off. The new part went in just as easy. Quick and easy. Less than 15 minutes.

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

4 of 5 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:Less than 15 mins

ToolsNutdriver

Customermike from galt CA

Fridge and freezer quit working

noticed the fridge and frezzer were not cold one day.i got on google and typed in the problem and found out the the relay goes bad rather often. was an easy fix. found the parts here on partselect and recieved in with in 2 days of ordering. pulled the old part out put new part in and plugged fridge in and was back up and running with in minutes..thank you partselect....

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

4 of 6 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Refrigerator made noise, smelt hot

While investigating problem (at 11:30PM of course) I saw the overload burst into flames. Problem Identified! Easily found and ordered part. Next day delivery. Exact same part easily plugged in. Total refrigerator down time was less than 40 hrs.

Thanks,Terry

Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.

Were these instructions helpful?

3 of 4 people found this instruction helpful

Parts Used

Compressor Start Device and Capacitor

Level of DifficultyReally easy

Time to do repair:15 - 30 mins

ToolsNutdriver, Screw drivers

CustomerMiriam from Canyon Country CA

No cooling, compressor not running and was very hot

Plied off the relay switch with a screw driver. I could not pull it off by hand. Disconnected the wires to it and replaced with new part. Had problem getting the part back on and lining up the pins with the connector. I had to line up one pin and start at an angle and roll the part onto the contact pins. I was impressed with the one day delivery without paying because it was shipped from a warehouse in California where the repair was made.